MINNESOTA — Mikayla Raines, the founder of SaveAFox Rescue, has passed away at the age of 31. A passionate advocate for wildlife and animal welfare, Raines dedicated her life to rescuing and rehabilitating captive-born foxes and educating the public about their care and protection.
Based in Minnesota, Raines launched SaveAFox in 2017, transforming a small rescue initiative into one of the most recognized fox sanctuaries in the United States. Her work focused on rescuing foxes from fur farms, failed pet ownership situations, and illegal breeding operations. Under her leadership, the organization saved and provided sanctuary to more than 150 foxes, earning widespread support and international attention.
Raised in a family involved in wildlife rehabilitation, Raines began working with animals at a young age. She bottle-fed her first fox at 15 and later became certified in wildlife rehabilitation and veterinary assistance. She went on to secure the proper state and federal licensing required to operate SaveAFox legally and ethically.
Raines was known not only for her hands-on rescue work, but also for her powerful online presence, where she used social media to raise awareness about the dangers of exotic pet ownership and the importance of ethical animal care. Her transparency, warmth, and dedication drew in a global audience and built a strong community around her mission.
Tributes have poured in from across the animal rescue community, with many remembering Raines as a kind-hearted, tireless advocate whose work changed lives—both animal and human. Her passing leaves a significant void in the world of animal welfare.
SaveAFox has announced that a memorial event will be held in her honor, with further details to be shared soon. In lieu of flowers, supporters are encouraged to donate to SaveAFox Rescue to continue the work Mikayla so passionately began.
Mikayla Raines will be remembered for her compassion, her courage, and her unwavering commitment to giving a voice to the voiceless. Her legacy will live on in every life she saved.